Re: Why Linux will never win against windows

From: Baruch (baruch01_at_N0sbcglobal.net$PAM)
Date: 08/24/04 

Date: Tue, 24 Aug 2004 00:29:37 GMT

Knee_on_lite wrote:

>
> This is not a troll, I decided to try out Linux, I got some advise and
> decided to try out slackware. Let me just say here that until Linux is
> aimed at users who are not Linux Gurus it has no chance against
> Windows.
>
Consider, though - no one starts out as a Linux guru. They get that way
after playing with Linux, if they care to...

> I have been using computers since Dos so I'm not a complete newbie.
> But It was overwhelming trying to get to grips with the instillation
> of slackware..Mounting drives , burning ISO images, I got half way
> through the instillation and got an instillation error. Bad download
> package. (670MB). OK I will try yellow dog. Another download of about
> 700 MB It will not even boot <Shrug> maybe its me.
>
Did you check the m5d numbers? They usually come with the download. You
run m5dsum, and compare the number you get from your download (the one on
your hard drive), with the number you get from the server. If they don't
match, you've got a bad download.

> So I have now downloaded Knoppix and DSL (Dam small Linux) and I'm
> impressed they both boot and run from the CD, but its not what I
> wanted. But I think I will stick with them for now because I cannot be
> bothered to download all the stuff again. and to spend hours and hours
> trying to figure out Linux terms I have no idea about, even after
> using help files and google.
>
I assume you know Windows. You started out in DOS. You had to spend hours
and hours learning those systems. Like anything else, the beginning takes
some effort. There are new words, new concepts, whole new areas of
responsibility. Linux gives you power over your machine, but with that
power comes a responsibility to know what you're doing. There are
installations such as Redhat Fedora that are slick and easy (that's what
I'm using).

> So as a person who wanted to use Linux, and migrate from windows, I
> found it just to dam difficult, and most windows users will find the
> same problems. Until there is a version of Linux specifically designed
> for users who are migrating from windows, Linux will never even come
> close to windows. And I don't like using a MS operating system, but
> have no choice at present.
>
> Its a shame because I love the look and feel of Knoppix and DSL. But I
> will be sticking with windows un till Linux Distros are easier to use
> and implement.

Another point - you got these for free. If you don't mind coughing up a few
dollars, you can buy a distro of Linux that comes with books, online help,
and all sorts of stuff. If you try to do it yourself, sure, you'll have a
harder time of it. So pay the money and buy a distro that comes with
customer support. That might make things easier for you.

Personally, I recommend you do it yourself. The education is well worth the
sweat. But not everyone wants that - some people just want to turn on the
computer and "make it so".

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